In C5 Tetraplegia, which control method is described for a power wheelchair?

• A. Manual Wheelchair With Handrim Projections
• B. Power Wheelchair With Joystick Control
• C. Power Wheelchair With Sip and Puff Controls
• D. Manual Wheelchair With Friction Handrims

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how spinal cord injury level determines which power-chair control fits best. At C5, a person typically has elbow flexion and some shoulder movement but little to no fine hand or finger function. This profile makes a joystick a practical and efficient control method because it can be operated with the forearm or a supported arm, and it can be mounted and adjusted to require only a modest amount of force. A powered chair driven by a joystick allows intuitive directional control and smooth speed variation, enabling independent mobility with appropriate setup and head/arm support if needed. Manual wheelchairs that rely on handgrips aren’t suitable when hand function is limited, and sip-and-puff or chin controls are excellent alternatives only when there isn’t sufficient arm movement to use a joystick effectively. For many individuals with C5 tetraplegia, a joystick-driven power chair provides the best balance of control, efficiency, and independence.